Valentine lifted Rose to look her in the eye. “You are staying away from men, my
sugar cake. Men are evil, wicked, and devious. I know this, because I am one.

Obsidian eyes met hers, unreadable and assessing. Men didn't generally pay her much attention except to make an even number in a dance. And now she had a secret nearly-betrothed and a supposed teacher, one who looked like an angel and one a devil, and both with awful reputations. Best to remember that neither of them likely had anything good in mind for her.

Don’t cry,nyonda,” he murmured.
Phillipa took a deep breath. “What does that mean, anyway? Nyonda?”
His green gaze held hers. “It’s Swahili. It means ‘beloved.’” A small smile touched his mouth, and he brushed her cheek again. “You do know I love you, Phillipa. To an alarming degree.

Phillipa blew out her breath. Running a finger along the soft flower petals, she unfolded the note. For Phillipa, she read to herself,

I hope adding yellow daisies isn’t too forward. I asked Lady Fennington for their meaning, and she said white means “purity,” while yellow means “slighted.” I’m taking them to mean “frustrated.” Because I am frustrated that you are still pure. Bennett.

She snorted.

The animal is making quite a mess,” the butler droned.
“Are you referring to the monkey, or to my nephew?” Fennington drawled, strolling into the room.
“Hm. How long did you lurk outside the room waiting forthat opportunity?” Bennett asked

By the time I was seven, I did a sonnet at Shakespeare's Globe theatre for Shakespeare's birthday because my dad had been at the first season of the Globe and was friends with the artistic director. Somehow, that lead to me doing a sonnet!